In a major wildlife conservation effort, 216 rescued Indian star tortoises from Mumbai and Thane have been repatriated to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) as part of a new initiative to return trafficked reptiles to suitable natural habitats.

The repatriation marked the launch of Project STRIPES (Star Tortoise Repatriation Initiative Protecting Endangered Species), a joint initiative of the Maharashtra Forest Department and the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW).